The difference is a matter of the concentration or percentage of the perfume oil - aromatic and botanical compounds - diluted in a solvent to make the fragrance. Higher concentration levels of aromatic and botanical compounds produce better quality and intensity of the fragrance.

By definition the concentration by percent of perfume oil in volume of solution is as follows: has 20% - 40% aromatic compounds dissolved in the solvent; Eau de Parfum has 10% - 30% aromatic compounds dissolved in the solvent; Eau de Toilette has 5% - 20% aromatic compounds dissolved in the solvent; Eau de Cologne, sometimes called a Splash, has only 2% - 5% aromatic compounds dissolved in the solvent. [back to top]

When applied directly to the skin, undiluted perfume oils, will likely cause allergic reactions and injury so they must be diluted. The most common solvent for dilution of these natural and synthetic compounds is ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol that has been made undrinkable for solvent purposes and is called denatured alcohol. [back to top]

The addition of denatured alcohol allows the fragrant properties of the perfume oil to radiate from the skin. Without alcohol, you would be the only person to know that you were wearing a fragrance. Alcohol, or some solvent, is also necessary to dilute perfume’s aromatic and botanical compounds since high concentrations of these volatile components will likely be harmful or cause allergic reactions when applied directly to skin. [back to top]

No; synthetics are of equal or greater value to the perfumer. There are extremely expensive natural botanical compounds and reasonable synthetic aromatic oils, and vice versa. Synthetics can provide fragrances which are not found in nature, be more stable than natural ingredients, and offer a substitute when endangered plant and animal-friendly means are desired. “I want to give women an artificial perfume,” said Coco Chanel. “Yes, I really do mean artificial, like a dress, something that has been made. I don’t want any rose or lily of the valley. I want a perfume that is a composition.” Chanel No. 5 is famous for being the first perfume to heavily rely on synthetics. [back to top]

In addition to our use of natural perfume oils from plants as a source of essential oil and aroma compound for our perfumery needs, we have updated our methods to also include synthetics especially and exclusively when used to replace aromatics originally derived from animals. Our Ambergris, referred to as “amber” in perfumery, is no longer a product of the Sperm Whale, but a synthetic; our Civet Musk and Musk are also not products of animals, but synthetic. And, reminiscent of Coco Chanel, we too like the suggestion that an “artificial perfume would make a woman’s (or a man’s) natural beauty more evident.” [back to top]

Perfume is often described like music - in a metaphor as a melodic harmony of scents comprised of three sets of notes. Each note of fragrant scent is designed to make itself known over time and the perfumer uses her knowledge of the evaporation process of the perfume oils to create each fragrance. The top note scents, sometimes called the head note, are noticeable immediately upon application of a perfume. Top notes are made of perfume oils with small, light molecules that evaporate quickly. These scents form the initial impression of a perfume and are usually scents described as fresh, clean, or sharp. The scent that emerges before the top note aroma disappears is the middle note, or heart note. This scent appears anywhere from two minutes to one hour after the application of a perfume. Heart notes are described as mellow and rounded. Together with the base notes, the middle notes create the main theme of a perfume. Base notes appear close to the fading of the middle note and they bring depth and solidity to a perfume. Compounds of this class are often the fixatives used to hold and boost the strength of the lighter top and middle notes. Base note compounds are typically described as rich and deep and are not perceived until 30 minutes after the application of the perfume. [back to top]

First there is a difference in the concentration levels of the fragrances. Higher concentration levels of perfume oil, the aromatic and botanical compounds, produce better quality and intensity of the fragrance. Perfume by definition has 20% to 40% perfume oil dissolved in solvent so its fragrance will last longer than Eau de Cologne which is made of only 2 % to 5% aromatic compounds. Secondly, an individual’s skin type effects how long a fragrance will last. People with dry skin usually find their fragrance holding time to be shorter than those with oily skin. Skin with more natural moisture allows the fragrance to hold longer. [back to top]

To achieve a longer lasting fragrance effect, use the highest concentration of fragrance available - a perfume - if the company offers one. Also, an individual’s skin type effects how long a fragrance will last. People with dry skin usually find their fragrance holding time to be shorter than those with oily skin. Skin with more natural moisture allows the fragrance to hold longer. Pat your skin dry after a bath or shower, do not rub, and apply a moisturizing lotion to add emollients to the skin that will allow the fragrance to last longer. Layering fragrance by using the same scent in different products also helps to keep the aroma lasting longer. For example, if the company offers a perfumed cream, perfume, and perfumed shampoo, use all three. Finally, be aware that sometimes your sense of smell may become fatigued; you become familiar with a fragrance, and after a period of time, you may not be able to smell the scent as clearly. The scent is still there and is very strong for others but not as strong for you. [back to top]

The various aromatic and botanical compounds in perfume will break down naturally over time, and if improperly stored. The presence of heat, light, oxygen, and mixing with unrelated organic materials will speed perfume’s deterioration. For perfume to last its full shelf life, keep it away from heat and light; these cause your fragrance to oxidize and change its color and aroma. Perfumes are best kept in their original packaging when not in use. After each use tighten the cap securely on the bottle to keep oxygen from the fragrance and to prevent the alcohol from evaporating. Most perfume will keep its aroma for up to a year, as long as the bottle is nearly full, but as the level goes down the air in the bottle will alter the perfume’s smell character over time. When applying the fragrance limit contamination from being introduced to your perfume. When you use your fingers to apply perfume from a bottle, use your fingers on the rim of the bottle only. Do not use an applicator or stopper into the bottle that will touch your skin. Contaminants from your skin can stay on the stopper and be introduced into the perfume where they can incubate. [back to top]